Mobile Dental Health Bus Now Serving Townsfolk in Ilocos Norte’s Remote Villages

Batac City —- Some Ilocanos living in far flung villages with limited access to oral health may now avail of free dental services courtesy of the Provincial Health Office (PHO).

Donated by the Department of Health, the mobile health clinic started to serve patients today, Thursday, in Barangay Tabug, this city.

The air-conditioned mobile dental health bus is equipped with dental chairs and tools, lighting, and other dental facilities.

On Thursday, two dentists – Dr. Eva Candelaria of the PHO and Dr. Estrella Siroet of Batac City’s Rural Health Office – worked in tandem to serve at least 12 patients here.

According to Candelaria, the dental van is moving along with the Capitol Express team of the provincial government, where they provide dental check up and services to those who could hardly go to a private dentist.

Implemented under the Health Facility Enhancement Program (HFEP), the DOH aims to address the prevalence of dental diseases in the country by providing mobile dental clinics with equipment to provinces and other local government units (LGUs) to ensure the accessibility of quality dental health services for all Filipino citizens, especially those who are underprivileged.

DOH studies show that the prevalence of dental diseases nationwide continues to be high, starting from childhood but the ratio of dentists to patients remains relatively low with a ratio of 1:48,000-50,000.

Under a deed of donation between the province and DOH, the province will ensure that the mobile dental clinic is utilized in accordance with its purpose. (PNA) LAP/LGA